SWITCHGEAR SYSTEM AND RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY THEREFOR
A restraint assembly is for a switchgear system. The switchgear system includes an enclosure having a number of compartments and a number of electrical apparatus, such as for example, circuit breakers, movable into and out of the compartments. The restraint assembly includes at least one latch assembly comprising a mounting member, a latch pivotably coupled to the mounting member, and a number of biasing elements biasing the latch. The latch moves between a latched position corresponding to the latch locking an electrical apparatus within a corresponding compartment, and an unlatched position corresponding to the electrical apparatus being movable with respect to the compartment. The biasing elements bias the latch toward the latched position.
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1. Field
The disclosed concept relates generally to electrical systems and, more particularly, to electrical systems such as, for example, switchgear systems. The disclosed concept also relates to restraint assemblies for switchgear systems.
2. Background Information
Electrical switching apparatus used in power distribution systems are often mounted within a switchgear enclosure either individually or in combination with other switchgear (e.g., without limitation, circuit switching devices and circuit interrupters such as circuit breakers, contactors, motor starters, motor controllers and other load controllers).
Some electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, some medium-voltage and low-voltage circuit breakers, can be relatively large. In order to facilitate movement (e.g., installation; removal; maintenance), some circuit breakers are commonly coupled to draw-out mechanisms which permit such circuit breakers to be drawn out of a corresponding compartment or cell of the switchgear enclosure. Accordingly, such circuit breakers are commonly known in the art as “draw-out” circuit breakers. The draw-out circuit breaker can be drawn (e.g., racked) into and out of a connected position wherein the primary disconnect contacts of each circuit breaker pole engage with the mating stabs at the rear of the cell. Racking into the connected position is typically accomplished with a manually or electrically rotated jackscrew, worm gear, or other known or suitable mechanism.
Arc-resistant switchgear (e.g., draw-out circuit breakers) must be designed to withstand the high pressure explosion of superheated gasses and vaporized components associated with an arc event. Specifically, if the circuit breaker is not adequately secured, such high pressure could unintentionally and undesirably eject the circuit breaker from its corresponding switchgear enclosure compartment or cell. It is desirable to suitably secure the circuit breaker with respect to the switchgear enclosure to avoid this scenario.
There is, therefore, room for improvement in switchgear systems and in restraint assemblies therefore.
SUMMARYThese needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are directed to a restraint assembly for switchgear systems.
As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a restraint assembly is provided for a switchgear system. The switchgear system comprises an enclosure having a compartment and an electrical apparatus movable into and out of the compartment. The restraint assembly comprises: at least one latch assembly comprising a mounting member, a latch pivotably coupled to the mounting member, and a number of biasing elements biasing the latch. The latch is structured to move between a latched position corresponding to the latch locking the electrical apparatus within the compartment, and an unlatched position corresponding to the electrical apparatus being movable with respect to the compartment. The number of biasing elements bias the latch toward the latched position.
As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a switchgear system comprises: an enclosure having a compartment; an electrical apparatus including a housing, the electrical apparatus being movable into and out of the compartment; and a restraint assembly comprising: at least one latch assembly comprising a mounting member, a latch pivotably coupled to the mounting member, and a number of biasing elements biasing the latch. The latch is movable between a latched position corresponding to the latch locking the electrical apparatus within the compartment, and an unlatched position corresponding to the electrical apparatus being movable with respect to the compartment. The number of biasing elements bias the latch toward the latched position.
A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, left, right, clockwise, counterclockwise, front, back, top, bottom, upper, lower and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
As employed herein, the terms “fastener” and “fastener component” refer to any suitable connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including, but not limited to, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts) and bolts, washers and nuts.
As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are “coupled” together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.
As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
Continuing to refer to
As best shown in
As best shown in
The latch 106 includes first and second opposing ends 130,132 and an intermediate portion 134 extending therebetween. The first end 130 is disposed between the first and second sidewalls 122,124 of the generally U-shaped bracket 104, and the second end 132 extends outwardly away from the generally U-shaped bracket 104, as shown in
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the latch assembly 102 and, in particular, the latch 106 thereof, is structured to cooperate with the housing 12 of the electrical apparatus 10, when the electrical apparatus 10 is moved with respect to (i.e., into (e.g., to the left from the perspective of
The second end 132 of the example latch 106 includes a hook 140. The predetermined geometry of the hook 140, in the example shown and described herein, includes an inclined edge 144 and a restraining edge 146. The inclined edge 144 is structured to be engaged by the housing 12 of the electrical apparatus 10 to pivot the latch 106, against the bias of the biasing elements 110,112 (both shown in
The intermediate portion 134 of the example latch 106 includes a recess 150, and the predetermined geometry of the first end 130 of the latch 106 preferably comprises an arcuate profile 160. Thus, in operation, responsive to the electrical apparatus 10 being moved into the compartment 6 toward the fully installed position of
As shown in
Continuing to refer to
The first leg 190 of the first torsion spring 110 cooperates with the base 120 of the generally U-shape bracket 104, and the second leg 194 cooperates with the latch 106. Similarly, the first leg 192 of the second torsion spring 112 cooperates with the base 120 of the generally U-shape bracket 104, and the second leg 196 of the second torsion spring 112 cooperates with the latch 106, as shown. In the example of
Accordingly, the disclosed restraint assembly 100 provides an effective mechanism for controlling movement of an electrical apparatus 10 with respect to an enclosure of a switchgear system and, in particular, for maintaining the electrical apparatus 10 in a restrained (e.g., locked), fully installed position within the compartment 6 of the switchgear system enclosure 4. In this manner, the disclosed restraint assembly 100 effectively avoids undesirable movement (e.g., without limitation, ejection otherwise caused by the explosive forces associated with an arc event) of the electrical apparatus 10.
While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof
Claims
1. A restraint assembly for a switchgear system, said switchgear system comprising an enclosure having a compartment and an electrical apparatus movable into and out of said compartment, said restraint assembly comprising:
- at least one latch assembly comprising a mounting member, a latch pivotably coupled to said mounting member, and a number of biasing elements biasing said latch,
- wherein said latch is structured to move between a latched position corresponding to said latch locking said electrical apparatus within said compartment, and an unlatched position corresponding to said electrical apparatus being movable with respect to said compartment, and
- wherein said number of biasing elements bias said latch toward the latched position.
2. The restraint assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting member is a generally U-shaped bracket; wherein said generally U-shaped bracket includes a base, a first sidewall extending perpendicularly upwardly from said base, and a second sidewall extending perpendicularly upwardly from said base opposite and spaced apart from said first sidewall; and wherein said latch is pivotably coupled to said U-shaped bracket between said first sidewall and said second sidewall.
3. The restraint assembly of claim 2 wherein said latch comprises a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end; wherein the first end is disposed between said first sidewall and said second sidewall; and wherein the second end extends outwardly away from said generally U-shaped bracket.
4. The restraint assembly of claim 3 wherein said electrical apparatus includes a housing; and wherein said latch has a predetermined geometry structured to cooperate with the housing of said electrical apparatus in order to allow movement of said electrical apparatus or to restrain movement of said electrical apparatus as desired.
5. The restraint assembly of claim 4 wherein the second end of said latch comprises a hook; wherein the predetermined geometry of said hook includes an inclined edge and a restraining edge; and wherein the inclined edge is structured to be engaged by the housing of said electrical apparatus to pivot said latch toward the unlatched position.
6. The restraint assembly of claim 5 wherein the intermediate portion of said latch includes a recess; wherein the predetermined geometry of the first end of said latch comprises an arcuate profile; wherein, responsive to said electrical apparatus being moved into said compartment toward a fully installed position, said arcuate profile is structured to engage the housing of said electrical apparatus to pivot said latch to the unlatched position; wherein, when said electrical apparatus is fully installed, said arcuate profile is structured to disengage the housing, thereby releasing said latch to return to the latched position; and wherein, when said electrical apparatus is fully installed and said latch is disposed in the latched position, said recess is structured to receive a portion of the housing of said electrical apparatus and said restraining edge of said hook is structured to engage the housing to restrain movement of said electrical apparatus.
7. The restraint assembly of claim 3 wherein the first end of said latch includes a thru hole; wherein said first sidewall and said second sidewall each include an aperture; wherein said latch assembly further comprises a fastener assembly; wherein said number of biasing elements is a number of torsion springs each including a plurality of coils; wherein said fastener assembly includes an elongated pivot member; wherein said elongated pivot member extends through the aperture of said first sidewall, through said thru hole of said latch and said plurality of coils, and through said aperture of said second sidewall; and wherein said fastener assembly fastens said elongated pivot member to said first sidewall and said second sidewall.
8. The restraint assembly of claim 7 wherein said number of torsion springs is first torsion spring and a second torsion spring; wherein said first torsion spring is disposed between said latch and said first sidewall; wherein said second torsion spring is disposed between said latch and said second sidewall; wherein each of said first torsion spring and said second torsion spring includes a first leg and a second leg; wherein said first leg cooperates with the base of said U-shaped bracket; and wherein the second leg cooperates with said latch.
9. The restraint assembly of claim 1 wherein said compartment includes a base plate; and wherein said at least one latch assembly is structured to be coupled to said base plate.
10. The restraint assembly of claim 9 wherein said at least one latch assembly is a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly.
11. A switchgear system comprising:
- an enclosure having a compartment;
- an electrical apparatus including a housing, said electrical apparatus being movable into and out of said compartment; and
- a restraint assembly comprising: at least one latch assembly comprising a mounting member, a latch pivotably coupled to said mounting member, and a number of biasing elements biasing said latch, wherein said latch is movable between a latched position corresponding to said latch locking said electrical apparatus within said compartment, and an unlatched position corresponding to said electrical apparatus being movable with respect to said compartment, and wherein said number of biasing elements bias said latch toward the latched position.
12. The switchgear system of claim 11 wherein said mounting member is a generally U-shaped bracket; wherein said generally U-shaped bracket includes a base, a first sidewall extending perpendicularly upwardly from said base, and a second sidewall extending perpendicularly upwardly from said base opposite and spaced apart from said first sidewall; and wherein said latch is pivotably coupled to said U-shaped bracket between said first sidewall and said second sidewall.
13. The switchgear system of claim 12 wherein said latch comprises a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end; wherein the first end is disposed between said first sidewall and said second sidewall; and wherein the second end extends outwardly away from said generally U-shaped bracket.
14. The switchgear system of claim 13 wherein said electrical apparatus includes a housing; and wherein said latch has a predetermined geometry structured to cooperate with the housing of said electrical apparatus in order to allow movement of said electrical apparatus or to restrain movement of said electrical apparatus as desired.
15. The switchgear system of claim 14 wherein the second end of said latch comprises a hook; wherein the predetermined geometry of said hook includes an inclined edge and a restraining edge; and wherein the inclined edge is engaged by the housing of said electrical apparatus to pivot said latch toward the unlatched position.
16. The switchgear system of claim 15 wherein the intermediate portion of said latch includes a recess; wherein the predetermined geometry of the first end of said latch comprises an arcuate profile; wherein, responsive to said electrical apparatus being moved into said compartment toward a fully installed position, said arcuate profile engages the housing of said electrical apparatus to pivot said latch to the unlatched position; wherein, when said electrical apparatus is fully installed, said arcuate profile disengages the housing, thereby releasing said latch to return to the latched position; and wherein, when said electrical apparatus is fully installed and said latch is disposed in the latched position, said recess receives a portion of the housing of said electrical apparatus and said restraining edge of said hook engages the housing to restrain movement of said electrical apparatus.
17. The switchgear system of claim 13 wherein the first end of said latch includes a thru hole; wherein said first sidewall and said second sidewall each include an aperture; wherein said latch assembly further comprises a fastener assembly; wherein said number of biasing elements is a number of torsion springs each including a plurality of coils; wherein said fastener assembly includes an elongated pivot member; wherein said elongated pivot member extends through the aperture of said first sidewall, through said thru hole of said latch and said plurality of coils, and through said aperture of said second sidewall; and wherein said fastener assembly fastens said elongated pivot member to said first sidewall and said second sidewall.
18. The switchgear system of claim 17 wherein said number of torsion springs is first torsion spring and a second torsion spring; wherein said first torsion spring is disposed between said latch and said first sidewall; wherein said second torsion spring is disposed between said latch and said second sidewall; wherein each of said first torsion spring and said second torsion spring includes a first leg and a second leg; wherein said first leg cooperates with the base of said U-shaped bracket; and wherein the second leg cooperates with said latch.
19. The switchgear system of claim 11 wherein said compartment includes a base plate; and wherein said at least one latch assembly is coupled to said base plate.
20. The switchgear system of claim 19 wherein said at least one latch assembly is a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 7, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 7, 2016
Patent Grant number: 9397487
Applicant: EATON CORPORATION (CLEVELAND, OH)
Inventors: DANIEL GARETT SIMS (NEWBERRY, SC), BRAD ROBERT LECCIA (BETHEL PARK, PA)
Application Number: 14/508,057